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They made it to the sanctuary of the common room. Just the three of them. It kind of felt like coming home. He recognised the room but it was cold and empty. There was dust covering everything, evidence that the castle had just been shaken to its core. It didn't feel right. It was like no one had lived here for the longest time.

There had been no discussion. They left Dumbledore's office and Hermione led them to the fat lady's portrait knowing they needed distance from the celebrations and mourning.

Once they'd climbed through the hole she cast homenum revelio. Ron wondered if it was out of fear or habit. They'd just won the war hadn't they? Why didn't it feel like it? He was too tired or maybe broken to think about it or bother to ask. Thankfully her spell showed they were alone in Gryffindor tower.

Ron was in a daze, he'd made it into the common room but he couldn't seem to move any further. He just stood watching, he could see how exhausted his best friends looked and imagined he looked similar himself. He felt it himself. Along with physical pain and hunger. Harry and Hermione sat on their old favourite seats in front of the cold fire grate. Ron wasn't sure he'd ever been in this room without the fire lit. It added to the hollow feeling in his chest.

After a few moments of uncertainty, he managed to move to join them. Instantly he knew…sitting down had been a mistake. Ron wasn't sure he'd ever be able to get up again. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been on a comfortable seat, Shell Cottage? Before breaking into the bank?…how many hours ago was that? Maybe it was days?

Minutes of silence passed. Without warning Harry broke the silence and Ron jumped.

"Kreacher"

The house elf appeared in front of them with a crack. His covering was almost completely red with blood and he had a huge gash across his face.

"Kreacher, are you hurt?" Harry asked with genuine concern.

"No Master, I was serving with the elves in the kitchen and haven't had time to clean up. Little of this blood is mine."

"Kreacher. I…I want to thank you and all the house elves for your help during the battle. Can you tell them? Tell them we appreciate everything they've done during the fighting and in helping to tend to the castle guests after. We're so thankful."

"Yes Master. Of course Master. That is most gracious." Kreacher slunk into a low bow. "Is there anything the Master needs?"

"Umm yes please. If you're feeling alright…could you possibly bring food here? Enough for me, Ron and Hermione? And something to drink. We'll eat it here…in about 20 minutes, if that's ok?"

"Certainly Master." Kreacher left with another loud crack, it seemed to echo in the deep silence around them. Ron couldn't believe how quiet it was now, the noise of the battle had been deafening and the contrast was enormous.

Harry looked at the others and shrugged as if to ask if they were happy with the plan. Ron saw Hermione give a small smile but he couldn't move a muscle, not even to nod.

"I'm going to take a shower." Harry said after a few more quiet minutes.

"Good idea." Hermione pulled out her beaded bag. Ron watched fondly as she pulled out clean pyjamas and toothbrushes. He wondered how the hell that bloody thing had survived the last year, never mind the last few hours. How was she still able to produce everything they needed after what they'd all just been through. She was incredible.

"Thanks Hermione." Harry took his things and headed for the boy's dorm stairs. Hermione got to her feet and headed for the girls. Ron stood but couldn't seem to move his feet from the middle of the room, he watched them heading in separate directions and felt panic rise in his chest.

"WAIT!" He shouted, finally finding his voice. "Don't go up there alone, Hermione. We can't split up." he begged.

Harry and Hermione were obviously startled and turned to look at him. Their faces confused, like he'd cried out in some incomprehensible language.

"Ron…it's ok…there's no one…" Hermione started to say but he didn't let her finish. A cold sweat was clinging to his skin as fear felt like it was consuming him. He was sure he'd lose what little control he had left and be physically sick if either of them left right now.

"I DON'T WANT TO SPLIT UP. I'M SORRY…I know that's pathetic coming from the one who left but I…I can't do this." He started out yelling but it ended in barely a whisper.

Hermione's face softened, she wordlessly retraced her steps back to him and took his hand. It was soft and warm and Ron could feel her reassurance. Harry raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He waited for them at the bottom of the boy's dormitory staircase then the trio climbed the stairs together.

Harry went into the shower room straightaway. Ron hung back taking off his jacket and shoes leaving them on the floor where his trunk used to sit. Hermione fiddled with her bag even though he knew she'd everything she needed out of it already. Fuck what had he expected to happen, all he'd done was make everyone feel awkward but he was damned if he was going to let either of them out of his sight for longer than a few minutes. Last time Harry sloped off alone he'd come out of the bloody forest…dead.

"I can wait here while you go first." She offered obviously unsure what he needed from her.

"Umm…I dunno what it's like on the girl's side but there are stalls in there, once you go in you can shower and get dressed without coming out. I'm not trying to perve on you, Hermione. Truly I'm not. It just doesn't feel safe right now." He choked on his words.

"Ron, you're in shock. I understand. I'm glad you invited me because I'm scared to be alone too. Shall we?" She held out her hand again and headed towards the shower room.

Hermione knocked and pushed the door open.

"Harry? Harry, I'm coming in if you don't mind?" Announcing herself loudly. Harry was already washing in the shower furthest from the door. Not his usual one Ron noted. Heat and steam were emanating from it, Harry's dirty clothes discarded on the floor against the opposite wall.

"Hermione, we shared a tent for the best part of last year. I honestly couldn't care less." Ron felt overwhelming gratitude for Harry's nonchalance. He should have known his best mate wouldn't make him feel bad for being so…what's the word…needy?

"Point well made. I'm locking the three of us in, ok?" She turned to Ron and smiled. He watched her cast protective charms on the bathroom and wondered when they'd ever feel safe anywhere without them in place.

"Yeah. Hermione, do you have any Dittany?" Harry called out.

"Oh yes of course." She pulled it from her bag. "Umm…how do you want me to…"

"Accio Dittany." Harry said loudly, saving her from further embarrassment. It flew out of her hand.

"I'll take this one then." She flushed and indicated the stall in front of her. "See you in a moment."

"Yeah, I'll be right next door. Ok?" Ron said. She nodded and gave him another reassuring smile. Like she was dealing with a clingy toddler. Merlin if he wasn't so tired and hungry and sad he might have felt some kind of way about this all right now.

He entered the shower stall and started to peel off his disgusting clothes. He was stiff and sore, it was a great effort to remove his heavy jeans. As he removed his t-shirt he could feel flesh pulling away with it, bloody lesions having already fused with the material. He heard her gasp a few times too, guessing she was experiencing something similar. His own body was covered in bruises, it was hard to tell what was dirt or an injury. There were open wounds and rivers of blood everywhere he could see. Some still trickling with fresh crimson blood, others already dried into a dark crusty brown.

"Harry, shout when you're done with that mate. I'm a mess here too." He called out.

There was a knock at his stall door. He opened it still wearing his boxers. Harry was in front of him gripping a towel around his waist. Ron stared at his him. At his chest. There was a new fresh scar right on his sternum, a lightning bolt to match that on his forehead. There was dark purple bruising all around it.

"Merlin Harry…you really did just die didn't you?" He couldn't help staring, the pain he'd felt when he saw Harry limp in Hagrid's arms gripped his chest again.

"Yeah…I guess I did. But…Ron…It's ok. We're ok now." Harry made a point of making eye contact with him. Ron knew he was right and while he was genuinely grateful that the three of them had survived this shit show. Others hadn't. Fred hadn't. He swayed and grabbed onto the stall door frame suddenly light headed. Harry put a hand on Ron's shoulder and waited while he took a few deep breaths. His touch seemed to help ground him. Ron eventually lifted his gaze to take another look at his best friend, he was entirely too skinny after a year of malnourishment and there were many other bruises and sores covering his arms, legs, stomach.

"Do me a favour mate? There's something I can't reach on my back." Harry turned around and Ron saw a huge open wound oozing just below his ribs across the width of his back. He dabbed the dittany and noticed how Harry sucked in a breath as it stung.

"Cheers, want me to check yours?" Harry asked when Ron was done. He nodded and turned slowly.

"Give it here…looks like a nasty burn from the room of requirement." He felt Harry run dittany up his spine and found he didn't even flinch. Like he was too numb to register the sting.

"Cheers mate." He said.

"Anytime." Harry attempted a grin but that too turned into a painful wince. "What about…" He jerked his head towards Hermione's stall, Ron wasn't sure what to say so he just shrugged. "Umm I'll leave it with you. I'll be outta here in a minute."

"Harry…don't go anywhere though. Just get dressed in the dorm."

"Right" Harry looked like he wanted to argue but thought better of it. Ron knew he was being a needy prat but he could barely focus on the task of getting himself washed and felt like he might explode if either of them disappeared on him.

Harry returned to his stall and resumed his shower. Ron continued to dab dittany on his torso, arms and legs. Once he was feeling better and ready to wash he offered it back to Hermione.

"Hermione, do you need the dittany? We're both done with it." Ron called out loudly so she could hear it over the running water.

"Accio dittany" she cast and it pulled from his hands.

"Let me know if you need…er…anything." He stripped quickly and turned the water on full blast. It was slightly too hot but he felt like he needed the heat to burn away the filth and ease the pain. He wondered if he'd ever feel completely clean again. Harry's shower switched off.

"I'm going to get dressed in the dorm. See yous in a minute." He called and left the bathroom.

A few minutes later there was another knock on his shower stall. He grabbed a towel immediately and wrapped it around his waist, not even bothering to rinse the suds from his hair or body.

"Sorry, would you mind? There is something stinging I can't reach." This time Hermione stood in front of him, wrapped in a towel gripped in front of her body. It covered from her chest to the tops of her thighs. Even in his sad deprived state, he found himself able to appreciate this moment. It was the closest he'd ever come to seeing Hermione naked. Her body was dripping wet, her hair was clean and dark clinging to her face and neck, it was so bloody sexy. Once his brain kicked in and took control over the response between his legs he saw the pain etched on her body. Like himself and Harry she was skinny, too skinny, covered in bruises and cuts. He could see where she'd already treated and was relieved to see skin healing in front of him. He wanted to reach out and rub every one pain better, kiss them better.

"Course." He agreed.

She turned around and he had to stifle his shock. A cut ran from just below her left shoulder blade down to her lower back. The wound was gaping and horrible but that wasn't all that bothered him. To give him access, she'd allowed the towel to droop low on her back right down her spine just covering the top of her bum. Bloody hell he thought…she's asking for help…she's in pain…stop being a pervert you unbelievable git! He felt indecent that his own desire was burning. He very carefully focused on what he needed to do. Her skin was bright red and warm from being under a much too hot shower too. Even so he noticed goosebumps appear along her skin where he was having to touch. When he was done with the main wound he noticed several other smaller cuts and grazes which he attended to, slowly, carefully.

"I think that's you. Let me know if anything else hurts." he said reluctantly, hoping to prolong his excuse to look at her. He very much doubted it would ever happen again.

"Thanks Ron."

She turned and there was a brief moment where they stared at each other. She smiled at him and retreated to her stall. He returned to finish washing and thinking. Fuck, she was just the other side of the stall, naked and wet. In any normal 17 year olds life this would make incredible wanking fodder. If she wasn't suffering, if she didn't look so painfully thin and sore, if he wasn't so worried about her. If he hadn't just gone through a shitting battle, if he hadn't just lost…fuck he couldn't think about Fred. Not now. Guilt consumed him. Why was he thinking about naked Hermione when his big brother had just died? What was wrong with him!?

He turned his face into the running water allowing it to wash away tears. He finished up, dried and dressed before leaving the safety of the cubicle again. It had taken so much effort to have that shower but damn it felt bloody amazing to be clean, wearing fresh sweatpants and his faded orange Chudley Cannon t-shirt. Comfortable and familiar, exactly what he needed right now.

Hermione appeared wearing long grey pyjama bottoms and his grey t-shirt which had an orange Chudley Cannon logo on the front. It was massive on her and she looked adorable. His smile faltered as he thought…matching…twins…He didn't let the tears fall this time.

They made their way into the boy's dorm where true to his word Harry was patiently waiting on his bed, also looking much more comfortable in clean sweats and t-shirt. He got up and led them all back down to the common room. Kreacher had lit the fire and candles and lamps, Ron wasn't sure what else the elf had done but the room felt so clean and much more inviting than earlier. A table had been set up laden with three bowls of hot soup, a platter of sandwiches, pumpkin juice, treats such as cake slices and biscuits with tea. It looked incredible, Ron had missed Hogwart's food over the last year. Fuck that he'd missed food over the last year.

They sat around the table and ate, there was no time to talk. They were each ravenous. As the sandwiches and soup bowls were finished they magically refilled over and over until they'd taken their fill. Ron wasn't sure if he'd had three or four or more helpings. They moved to the comfortable seats with their tea which also magically refilled for them. Harry in his armchair, Ron and Hermione on the sofa. They relaxed in silence, too tired to speak to one another. Ron made a conscious effort not to let his mind wander. He knew if he did he'd succumb to the grief, he focused on his steady breath and the warmth from the fire and his tea.

"If I don't move now I'm going to fall asleep here and I'd rather have my bed. I'm heading up. Are you two alright?" Harry asked as he heaved himself to his feet.

"Yeah we'll be up soon Harry." Hermione said and Ron was thankful at the implication they'd all be sharing the dorm tonight. That'll save me from begging again he thought. A wave of embarrassment and anxiety flushed over him again. He wondered if he'd ever feel normal again.

Harry nodded knowingly and headed for bed but stopped short of the stairs. "Do me a favour though…cast a strong Muffliato?"

"Sleep well Harry." Hermione dismissed him while rolling her eyes.

Ron saw Harry grin before retreating up the stairs. That was bloody awkward. What's he worried about? Doubt it's concern over snoring, surely he was used to that from the tent? Did he really think they'd be up all night talking? Or was he insinuating they'd be shagging in the bed next to him. Bloody hell. A man could dream but fuck's sake Harry, hardly the time or the place! Ron could feel his ears burn red, he hoped she didn't notice.

"You can have my bed if you like. I can take one of the others." He offered to clear things up.

He didn't want her thinking he expected her to jump into bed with him. He'd love it obviously, again he marvelled at how a little piece of his brain could think about these things at a time like this, but that was the problem…a time like this.

In all honesty he didn't know what to expect. It was so hard to believe it was only a year since that party when they'd nearly kissed. He gazed over longingly to the armchair in the private corner where he'd pulled her onto his knee. Less than a year since that conversation about…after. He'd thought about that promise of after every day since they'd left Hogwart's to begin the bloody hunt. It had been his hope, his inspiration, his driving force.

On the darkest of days, the locket had taken that longing and turned it against him, manipulated it to the point of distraction. He knew he'd fucked it all up. He knew it the second he'd apparated away from the tent that night. He abandoned them, he allowed the horcrux to overwhelm him, consume him. It affected him so badly, much worse than either of the others but that was because he was weak. He knew it, he was pathetic. He didn't deserve her, in his lowest moments he felt sure he didn't deserve to be loved by anyone.

He'd endured so much trying to get back to them and then confronting the locket. Yes, he'd destroyed it and he'd been relieved to be back in their company but he knew he'd crossed a line. Broken the friendship. He'd betrayed them both and was lucky to even be allowed back into the tent. Harry seemed to have forgiven him readily but Hermione didn't hide her loathing. He'd felt the hatred emanating from her for days.

Then it all happened so fast. The visit to Lovegood and Malfoy Manor. Merlin he couldn't think about that now. He knew her screams would haunt him for the rest of his days. Thank Merlin she'd survived that night. He'd never felt so desperate. He wished it had been him taken for torture instead, he'd have at least deserved it.

In the last days they'd entered, robbed and escaped from Gringott's. On a bloody dragon. Then headed straight into the battle. There hadn't been time to think, only to act. There hadn't been time to talk to Hermione properly since returning to the tent. He understood now that he could never be enough for her. His selfish thoughtless anger had burst out of him when she'd needed him most and he'd undone the promise they'd made of after.

He didn't deserve happiness. Yes, Voldemort was dead, yes they'd survived but Fred was gone. Tonks and Lupin and Gods knew who else had died in the battle. There had been a mad moment of celebration, sheer elation as they saw Voldemort fall but realisation of what had been lost crashed over him quickly. Hermione was right he was…is…in shock. He felt a bit sick actually, probably from all the rich food he'd just wolfed down when his stomach wasn't used to it. He looked down at his hands and noticed they were shaking, his mug lay empty on the floor, he wasn't sure when he'd let go of it. A drop dripped from his chin and landed on his palm.

"Ron" she whispered moving hair away from his eyes. He suspected she'd maybe said his name a few times but it was her touch that brought him out of the trance. He felt hot tears on his cheeks but he wasn't aware that he'd started crying. He didn't know a lot of things, maybe it was the sleep deprivation, or something deeper but he just felt so lost.

"Ron" she tried again this time dabbing her fingers against his wet cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry about Fred." She pulled him into an embrace, hugging him tightly and stroking his back. He was so thankful that she would offer him this comfort. He knew she was just too kind to tell him right now but soon enough she'd explain he wasn't the man she hoped he was. This was a pity hug. She was only being nice because of Fred, there was such a pain in his chest he thought his heart might be breaking, grieving for his brother but also for what could have been with Hermione.

"Ron…I know this isn't a good time. But…but we came so close to dying tonight, I just need to tell you. Do you remember the last time we sat here together?" She asked softly.

He nodded. "I was just thinking about that." He admitted sadly.

"We ended that conversation saying we'd see…about us…after…well it's technically after and I just want to let you know I'm here. When you're ready…if you still want to…I'm here."

Ron just gaped at her. What was she saying? She wanted to be with him? It didn't make any sense. He obviously waited too long before answering as she started to gabble on.

"I just think we defied all the odds to make it back here. Both of us made it, I don't know how but we have and so has Harry. I know there is too much to think about right now and we've all lost people and I'm being ridiculously selfish trying to steal your attention when you're grieving but when you're ready…that is…if you still want to? I understand if too much has changed and I'm sorry I kissed you like that but I thought…the way you kissed me back…I thought you still wanted…us. And we wasted so much time before being immature teenagers…"

Mother of Merlin…the kiss…that's right she had kissed him. It wasn't a dream or a fantasy or a delusion, she had kissed him. So much had happened so quickly after it that his brain had clung to the terror rather than the good. There was a little ray of golden sunlight bursting through the thick grey fog which swirled inside his head. She had kissed him. Suddenly the memory from mere hours ago was crystal clear, he replayed it, remembering the clanging of basilisk fangs, the sudden rush, the feel of her mouth on his, her chest pressed into him.

He looked into her eyes and saw the girl he'd been in love with for as long as he could remember, saw her anxiously waiting for his answer. How could she be so perfect, so wonderful, so forgiving?

He didn't know what to say so instead he moved. He reached for her, wrapped his hand around the back of her head tangling in her damp curls and pulled her mouth forward to meet his. Suddenly there was such urgency, he had to make sure she was left in no doubt of how much he wanted her. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and she threw her arms around his neck with such force he fell backwards.

Without breaking the passionate kiss, they were now laying on the sofa, Ron laid back, his right leg still on the floor the other along the length of the sofa. Hermione was lying in between his legs on top of his chest. Bloody hell, he'd no idea how this had happened. The kiss went on for several moments, until finally she broke away. Her lips looked swollen from the pressure of the intense kiss. He'd never seen this angle of her before, she'd never looked more beautiful, hovering above him, looking down on him like some sort of angel. Her damp curls fell either side of her face, tickling his cheeks. He tucked one behind her ear.

"Hermione…there is nothing…nothing…in the world I want more than us. I just…" he took a deep steadying breath. "I just know I don't deserve you. I…I left and I'll never forgive myself for abandoning you and Harry after the promises I made. You've every right to hate me."

"Ron, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. You've more than made up for it since you came back and I forgive you." She said it so matter of factly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Merlin I dunno why I can't stop crying…what a prat." He roughly rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand.

"Don't be ridiculous. I was more worried when you weren't talking. It's ok though, I'm here." She leaned down and kissed the tear tracks on his left cheek.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I'm so so sorry I left. I can't say it enough."

"I forgive you. You're my hero."

"Hero?" Now he really was confused.

"Yes you idiot! You've been my hero since you dropped that club on the troll when we were 11! There's a very long list of times you've been my hero Ron Weasley. Many of them occurred in the last 48 hours! I promise to tell you everything that's on the list someday but right now just know all is forgiven."

"I don't think I can forgive myself" he whimpered.

"Oh Ron." She rested her forehead against his and rubbed their noses together. It felt so…intimate. "One momentary lapse in judgement spurred on by the most evil, disgusting dark magic doesn't undo years of feelings before and everything since."

"You had feelings for me? Before?"

"Ronald, you absolute idiot…isn't it completely obvious? I love you! I've been in love with you for…Gods knows how long. That's why it hurt so badly when you left, that's why I was so horrid when you returned. I didn't ever hate you. I was just hurt and angry and I was punishing you. I could never hate you. We said we'd try after, this is after, I want this, I want you. If you want me too I'm yours." She was almost breathless trying to tell him. He was still confused, he'd still need to talk through the hows and whys but in this moment he wouldn't push it. He just had to tell her.

"I want you Hermione. I've wanted you for so long, so much. I love you."

"Good. So that's settled then? You and me? We're…us?" She beamed down at him.

"Yup." He grinned. Holy hell.

"Ok good. I'm so happy Ron" She leaned down and hugged him tightly, her hair completely covering his face but he didn't care.

"Me too Hermione. So happy…Fuck…I feel guilty for saying that, for even thinking it."

"I know, me too. I'm sorry but you…we deserve to comfort in one another? Surely that's ok?"

"I dunno, I guess. I feel like this is too good to be true. There's a loada things I think I need to say. But I…" he stroked her back thoughtfully.

"But I'm sooo tired." She interrupted laughed into the crook of his neck.

"Me too love" he repeated laughing too. Merlin they might actually be delirious. Fuck did he just call her love? She'd been his girlfriend for what 90 seconds and he was already coming out with pet names? He really would need to catch a grip on himself otherwise he'd scare her off. He was in deep.

Her head snapped up, eyes wide at the term of endearment he'd used. Thankfully she was smiling. "We have the rest of our lives to talk." She whispered.

"Bloody hell…one step at a time. I thought I'd completely fucked it with you until about 10 minutes ago. But if forever is on offer I guess I'll take it" he suggested happily giving her a gentle squeeze, conscious of her bruises.

She giggled then stated boldly. "You offered me your bed earlier."

"I did…it's all yours. Just please stay in the same room. I won't be able to sleep without you and Harry right now. Fuck that's pathetic and came out wrong."

"No it isn't pathetic…please stop being so hard on yourself. We're all feeling the same, you're the only one brave enough to say it out loud." That made him feel infinitely better, he hadn't thought about it like that. He was surprised to see her cheeks suddenly flush red. "Now about your bed…I don't want it to be all mine. I want to share it with you."

"You…you do?" He stammered.

"Yes, I want to be close to you." she ran a finger along his jaw causing him to gulp.

"Well…if you insist. I guess that is what you do with your…er…girlfriend." He said bravely.

"Oh Gods, am I really your girlfriend? You're really my boyfriend? That sounds…so…I don't know…incredible?"

"If you want it to be?"

"I want it to be…come to bed boyfriend." She raised herself off him and the sofa before holding out her hand and pulling him up from the sofa.

"Fuck" he couldn't stop the expletive…that was the single most sexy thing he'd ever heard. Coming from her…to him…if he wasn't so exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed he was sure he'd have cum in his pants.

"Wait…we need to send a message to your parents. It's not fair for them to worry about us right now."

"You're right." Ron pulled his wand from his pocket and feebly tried to summon his patronus. Barely a strand of silver appeared. He groaned at the conflicting emotions tearing him apart. He'd just asked the girls he loved and who loved him back to be his girlfriend, surely he should be able to fight off a hundred thousand dementors. But the sudden mention of his parents and them worrying about him while they grieved swallowed all the happiness. He was too tired to concentrate and there was no way he'd be able to do this. She was watching him and placed her hand over his wand grip, his hands were shaking again. "Fuck."

"Expecto Patronum" she said with conviction and her otter burst out of her wand. "Mr Weasley, Harry, Ron and I have found a safe place to sleep. We'll be back with you once we've recovered a bit." Her corporal patronus shot off at high speed and she turned to him. "Ok?"

"Thanks." he mumbled, embarrassed but appreciative.

He followed her up the staircase and into the dorm. They both went straight to Harry to check on him. He was in a deep sleep, Ron was reassured that he could see a very slight rise and fall of his chest. Hermione locked the door, setting all the same security wards they used on the tent and climbed into his four poster bed.

He was slow to join her, taking his time moving towards the bed savouring the moment. This exact scene had been the start of many of his fantasies during Hogwart's years. How was he going to keep it together tonight? What if he accidentally got hard while cuddling her? Would she dump him immediately? Fuck it, she was the one who suggested sharing and he was too tired to worry about it now. In fact, it was entirely likely that he was too tired to get it up, silver linings and all that.

His heart gave a little pang as his mind flickered to the twins. As with all his big life moments he thought of the twin's reactions…'if only they could see crawling into bed beside this gorgeous witch, they'd cook up a million ways to tease me'. But it was only George now. How could he possibly be feeling this happy when he'd lost one of his family. Fuck he was a horrible brother but he couldn't help being drawn to her. He needed her, he needed her warmth and love and just because he was giving into it and receiving it so gladly didn't make the loss of Fred any less significant.

He climbed into bed beside her, ignoring the burning at the backs of his eyes. She flicked her wand and the hangings pulled shut then he felt the bubble of the silencing charm around them. Grateful she was taking the lead so he didn't look overly keen. He didn't know where to put himself, his stupid long limbs felt so awkward. He was afraid to touch her but so desperately wanted to. How is a person supposed to do this? Be respectful but show interest. Fuck…he was too tired for this. Thankfully sensing his dilemma, she took charge again.

"How do you usually sleep? I normally sleep on my side." She shared.

"On my side or back."

"Ok so get yourself comfy first." She scooted over to the very edge to give him space. He stretched out and fidgeted until he felt right, lying on his back arms by his side. His bed felt absolutely amazing, after months on the run, that bloody tent and the living room floor at Shell Cottage. The soft fresh sheets on a proper pillow and mattress…it felt like he was lying on a cloud. After he'd settled she smiled and crawled up the bed towards him. She lifted his left arm, pulled it over her shoulders and snuggled into his chest. She pressed her front along the side of his body and lifted her left knee to drape over his thigh. She manoeuvred a second pillow so her head rested on it but also on his shoulder. "Is this too much?" She asked nervously.

"No…it feels…right" And it did, like two pieces of a jigsaw slotting together, like they were made to fit together like this.

"It does. Sleep tight, Ron."

"Sleep tight, Hermione." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. He wanted to lie there and enjoy this feeling but he was a goner. He fell asleep with her in his arms. Reassured by the sounds of his best friend and girlfriend breathing rhythmically.